It is a common question that parents ask: when should my child see an orthodontist for kids? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the child’s age and whether or not there are any obvious signs of orthodontic problems.
In general, most kids should see an orthodontist for the first time by the time they are 7 years old. However, it is important to understand a few more things about your child’s orthodontic needs.
Factors that Affect the Best Time for an Orthodontic Visit
#1 – Genetics
If there is a history of orthodontic problems in your family, then there is a slight chance that your child will also have these problems. Therefore, you may want to take your child to see an orthodontist for kids during their early years instead of allowing major issues to arise before doing so.
#2 – Early Misalignment Issues
If you notice that your child’s teeth are starting to come in crooked or they have an overbite, then you should pay your first visit to the orthodontist as soon as possible. The sooner these problems are identified, the easier they will be to correct.
This process is called interceptive orthodontics. It’s important to spot problems early so that we can employ preventive treatment and avoid more serious issues later on. For example, if your child has an overbite, we can use a palatal expander to help correct the problem before their permanent teeth come in.
#3 – History of Thumb-Sucking
If your child has a history of thumb-sucking, then this can also cause orthodontic problems. Thumb-sucking puts pressure on the teeth and jaw, which can cause misalignment issues. If your child is still sucking their thumb, we may recommend using a thumb guard to help break the habit and prevent further damage.
If the damage has already happened, then we may need to use orthodontic appliances to help correct the problem. A child can receive braces treatment as early as age seven, but this will depend on the severity of the misalignment.
#4 – Previous Trauma to the Mouth
If your child has experienced any trauma to the mouth, such as from a fall or accident, then this could also cause orthodontic problems. In these cases, it is important to take your child to see an orthodontist so that we can assess the damage and decide on the best course of treatment.
#5 – Pain in the Jaw and Head When Chewing
If your child is experiencing pain in their jaw or head when chewing, then this could also be a sign of an orthodontic problem. This pain is usually caused by misalignment of the teeth or jaw. It means that when their lower and upper set of teeth meet, they’re not lining up correctly and this causes the child discomfort.
What Age Do Kids First See an Orthodontist?
The bottom line is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to take your child to see an orthodontist. The best thing you can do is to be aware of the factors that can affect your child’s orthodontic needs and to watch for any signs or symptoms of problems.
Best Orthodontist for Kids to Go To
If you want to get the best advice and treatment for your child’s orthodontic needs, you need to go to the right doctor. Good thing Carvalho and Roth Orthodontics can recommend you to the best one in town!
Children’s Dental Specialist is a pediatric dental and orthodontic office that has been serving the communities of Worcester, Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Leicester, Auburn, Oxford, Sutton, Millbury, Northbridge, Upton, Grafton, and Shrewsbury for many years now.
Their 3 offices are located at Marlborough, Northborough, and Newton Centre, MA. At Children’s Dental Specialist, you can expect that your child will receive the best possible orthodontic care.
Contact the awesome team today and schedule your child’s first kids’ orthodontist visit with the best in the business!
Tags: Braces in Marlborough, Early Orthodontic Treatment, Orthodontist for kids, Orthodontist in Marlborough MA